Jackson's rookie season bat sets Heritage house record for sports memorabilia; Muhammad Ali's 1964 fight-worn gloves from first title bout with Sonny Liston bring $836,000; Babe Ruth's 1923 World Series pocket watch realized $717,000, Feb. 22 in New York

"There can be no argument that 'Shoeless Joe' is one of the most intriguing and compelling of all major league players, of any era," said Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Collectibles at Heritage Auctions, "and there can be no argument that this is the most significant piece of Jackson memorabilia and one of the hobby's great treasures."

The bat is a signature model Hillerich & Bradsby that leading expert John Taube confirms to be "the only Joe Jackson bat in existence that is factory documented as being game used by Jackson during his Major League career." While this distinction alone would be more than enough to justify the claim, the factory sidewriting assigns use to the greatest rookie season in the Major League record books, the only one in history to conclude north of the fabled .400 mark.

"These are the very gloves that Ali wore when he claimed his first Heavyweight Championship 50 years ago," said Ivy. "Given the attention these received from media and fans all over the world, and the spectacular price they achieved, it's clear that Ali is just as loved and respected today as he's ever been."

"The Piazza-Clemens incident is one of the most infamous in modern baseball history and this bat shard was central to the entire episode," said Chris Ivy. "The Rocket lost his cool in the game and hurled this at Piazza in what is likely the most famous throw of his entire career."

The bat was consigned by Yankees strength and conditioning coach Jeff Mangold, who retrieved it from the corner of the clubhouse steps after it had been tossed by a bat boy. A significant portion of the proceeds will be donated by Mangold to a charity benefitting families that have survived the death of child due to SIDS.